Received: 27 April 2020

| Revised: 25 September 2020

| Accepted: 5 October 2020

DOI: 10.1111/cote.12506

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Understanding dispersion of copper phthalocyanine alpha blue

pigment in polyethylene masterbatch with the use of wax

Mert Yücetürk1,2 | Mehmet Özgür Seydibeyoğlu1

1
Materials Science and Engineering, Izmir
Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Cigli,
Abstract
Turkey Coloured plastics and polymers are widely used in packaging and consumer goods.
2
Budin Kimyevi Maddeler, Cigli, Izmir, Despite their critical roles, there is limited literature on detailed analysis of effective
Turkey
pigment dispersion in polymer matrices for masterbatch applications. In this study,
Correspondence detailed research was conducted on pigment dispersion using different wax materials
Mehmet Özgür Seydibeyoğlu, Materials and their performances in polyethylene masterbatches were compared. During the
Science and Engineering, Izmir Katip
study, it was first found that the presence of salt crystals plays a critical role in dis-
Celebi University, 35620, Cigli, Izmir,
Turkey. persion in one of the tested pigments. Using a laser particle size device, it was shown
Email: seydibey@gmail.com that homogeneous particle size distribution is another critical parameter for proper
pigment distribution. Although filter testing is a common method in industrial ap-
plications, there is very limited information in the academic literature. The filter test
method was used to examine the effects of different polyethylene waxes on pigment
dispersion. The best filter pressure values were obtained in masterbatches made with
micronised wax. It was also observed that the improved dispersion increased the me-
chanical properties of the masterbatch. The masterbatch colours were measured with
a sphere spectrophotometer and it was observed that uniform pigment distribution
increased the colour strengths. Similar results were also seen in polyethylene films
produced by the blown film process.

1 | IN T RO D U C T ION a wide variety of parameters such as wax type, pigment par-

Synthetic polymers have played a critical role in people's
lives with their wide range of applications since their discov-
ery in the early twentieth century. In these application areas,
polymer compounding and polymer additives have been
one of the key technologies to create value-added products.
One of the most striking advantages of polymeric materials
is their easy colouring and the availability of endless colour
combinations.
For colouring polymers, masterbatches are often used.
Plastic materials with specific levels of certain processing
agents and certain pigments are combined for the preparation
of masterbatches. To achieve good colour strength, the disper-
sion of pigment is critical. The pigment dispersion depends on
ticle size, extruder screw, process temperature, mixing time,
screw design of extruder, and other extruder parameters.1,2
The number of aggregates and agglomerates must be mi-
nimised as much as possible to achieve optimal dispersion.
Aggregation may have serious adverse effects in different appli-
cations because the degree of separation of pigment particles can
decrease colour yield. The theory of pigment dispersion is the
mechanism of breaking up agglomerates into primary particles
and the stability of these newly formed particles.3 The specific
process of dispersion of the pigment in the resin can be divided
into three steps as follows. The first step is that the molten wax
wets the pigment’s agglomerate surface, then infiltrates into the
internal pores. In the second step, agglomerates are separated by
intrinsic shear force and interaction between the particles in the

Coloration Technology. 2020;136:1–9. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cote © 2020 Society of Dyers and Colourists | 1

2
| YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU
pigments. The final step is that the molten resin and wax wet the
newly formed particles and covers them until the agglomeration
ends. This method is called the wetting process.4
Different types of waxes can be used in the wetting process.
One of the most widely used wax types in the masterbatch in-
dustry is polyethylene waxes. These waxes may be homopoly-
mers, where the polymer chain is based upon one monomer
unit, such as ethylene, or they may be copolymers, based upon
two or more units, such as ethylene and vinyl acetate. These
types of modified polymer materials contain beneficial adhe-
sive additives, as they often include polar and non-polar groups
together on the same molecule, which can function together in
the mixture for stability and adhesion.5,6 Another type of wax
is oxidised polyethylene wax, which is produced by mild air
oxidation of polyethylene. It is a polar one, used to prepare
emulsions with various products to improve the quality and per-
formance of the end product.7,8 The particle sizes of waxes are
generally between 500 and 2000 µm. Particularly when com-
pared to organic pigments, which are between 2 µm and a maxi-
mum of 100 µm in size, standard wax particles are much larger.
Micronised waxes have an average particle size of between 5
and 30 µm. This property has a positive effect on pigment dis-
persion during production and processing.9
Copper phthalocyanine alpha blue (CI Pigment Blue 15:1)
is used mainly as a pigment in the masterbatch industry. Its
brilliant blue colour, hiding strength, heat-resistance, weather
resistance, tolerance to the effect of alkali and acids are the
reason for the widespread use of these pigments.10
In this study, detailed parametric research conducted on
pigment stabilisation, and the effect of different wax types
and different pigment grades on the masterbatch dispersion
level was investigated. In a laboratory type extruder, widely
used four types of waxes in the masterbatch industry, and
copper phthalocyanine alpha pigments in two different qual-
ities were mixed with polyethylene matrix and converted
into masterbatches. Mechanical tests, colour comparison
tests, and filter tests were carried out on the masterbatches.
Extensive work has been done in the characterisation of pig-
ment dispersion using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Masterbatch formulations are often kept secret in the indus-
try, and information on formulations is very limited in the
scientific community. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to
explain some critical details about the stability of pigments
and characterisation of masterbatches.
2 | E X P ER IME N TA L
2.1 | Materials
The base polymer low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was
supplied from Petkim Petrochemical Company (Izmir,
Turkey). Petilen I22-19T was used as a matrix material in
masterbatches, with a melt flow index (MFI) of 22 g/10 min-
utes (190°C and 2.16 kg) and a melting temperature of
105°C. According to the company's technical data sheet, the
number average molecular weight (Mn), weight-average mo-
lecular weight (Mw), and polydispersity index (PDI) values
of LDPE homopolymer were 29 600, 157 000 g/mol, and 5.3,
respectively. The blue pigments with colour index number
PB15:1, K6902 from BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany), and
BK828 from Meghmani Organics Ltd (Ahmedabad, India)
were used. During the experiments, four types of waxes were
used. All waxes, Luwax A (ethylene homopolymer wax),
Luwax EVA 3 (ethylene copolymer wax), Luwax AF 31
(micronised polyethylene wax), and Luwax OA 5 (oxidised
polyethylene wax) were supplied from BASF.
2.2 | Scanning electron microscopy
Examination of the morphology and distribution of the pig-
ments and the tensile test specimens were performed by Zeiss
Sigma 300 VP-FESEM scanning electron microscope. The
samples were coated with gold and images were taken at an ac-
celerated voltage set to 5 kV. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX)
analysis was also performed for elemental composition.
2.3 | Pigment particle size analysis
Particle sizes of two different pigment samples were meas-
ured with the Horiba LA 350 particle size analyser using ISO
13320 standard.11
2.4 | Masterbatch production
Masterbatches were produced using a co-rotating twin-screw
extruder LTE-20-44 (Labtech Engineering, Samut Prakan,
Thailand) having a screw diameter of 20 mm and a barrel length
of 880 mm (length/diameter [L/D] = 44). Both pigments were
formulated with four different waxes in separate combinations
(Table 1). Matrix polymer and other ingredients were mixed
for 10 minutes in a benchtop high-speed mixer at 2000 rpm.
The mixture was fed by the hopper of the extruder with 20 rpm
and the main screw speed was 190 rpm. The zone temperatures
of the extruder were in the range of 140 to 170°C. After the
masterbatches were produced, they were dried at 80 ± 2°C for
1 hour and the moisture they held was removed.
2.5 | Measurement of the quality of dispersion
To quantify the dispersion, a filter test machine LE20-30/P
(Labtech Engineering) having a screw diameter of 20 mm
YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU
| 3

was used. The tests were carried out using 15 μm filters, ac- Laboratory Press (Labtech Engineering), which has heating
cording to ISO 23900-5:2015.12 and cooling platens. Tensile test samples were prepared using
Type 1 mould according to the ASTM D638-14 standard.13

2.6 | Preparation of plates

Melt mixing of the pellets was prepared using a Gelimat, a
high-speed laboratory thermokinetic mixer. Each full-colour
shade plate was made from mixing of 0.5 g masterbatch and
49.5 g LDPE for 15 to 20 seconds at 2000 rpm. To measure
the colour strength, white masterbatches containing 50% tita-
nium dioxide supplied from Budin Kimyevi Maddeler (Izmir,
Turkey) were mixed with blue masterbatches using the same
process. At this point, titanium dioxide and pigment in a ratio
of 10:1 were used in the mixture. For this, a formula contain-
ing 0.4 g of blue masterbatch, 2 g of white masterbatch, and
47.6 g of LDPE was used. After heating the hot press until
processing temperature (140°C), produced mixtures were
placed into the 2 mm thick mould cavity (15 cm × 15 cm).
Plates were obtained from the mixture by using a Hydraulic
2.7 | Colour measurement
For full shade colour and colour strength measurements of
masterbatches, the X-Rite Ci64 spectrophotometer was used.
The spectrophotometer has a spherical light source to meas-
ure the colour of rough surfaces of plastic parts accurately.14
Measurements were made in the CIELab D65/10° colour sys-
tem, according to ASTM E308-18 standard.15
2.8 | Tensile test
The mechanical properties of samples were tested by a
Shimadzu AGS-X tensile tester machine with a 5 kN load
cell and a testing speed of 50 mm/min.

TABLE 1 Formulations of masterbatches

BASF Meghmani Luwax A Luwax EVA Luwax AF Luwax OA Polyethylene

Masterbatch codes K6902 (g) BK828 (g) (g) 3 (g) 31 (g) 5 (g) (g)
MB1 250 — — — — — 750
MB2 — 250 — — — — 750
MB3 250 — 150 — — — 600
MB4 250 — — 150 — — 600
MB5 250 — — — 150 — 600
MB6 250 — — — — 150 600
MB7 — 250 150 — — — 600
MB8 — 250 — 150 — — 600
MB9 — 250 — — 150 — 600
MB10 — 250 — — — 150 600

10 µm EHT = 5.00 kV Signal A = SE2 Date:15 Apr 2019 10 µm EHT = 5.00 kV Signal A = SE2 Date:15 Apr 2019
WD = 7.5 mm Mag = 2.50 KX Time:11:24:53 WD = 8.5 mm Mag = 2.50 KX Time:11:17:07

FIGURE 1 BASF K6902 (left), Meghmani BK828 (right)

4
| YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU

2.9 | Preparation of plastic films 3 | RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The masterbatch and polyethylene blends were made into a 3.1 | Pigment analysis
thin film by a blown film machine (Adali Machine), which
has a 35 mm screw size. To obtain film samples, a 4:1 blow- 3.1.1 | Scanning electron microscopy
up ratio (bur) was used. Briefly, 40 g of masterbatches were
mixed with 960 g of film type polyethylene (Petilen F2-12), In the SEM-analysis of pigments (Figure 1), it was seen
and 120 μ films were produced at 150°C. During and after the that the distribution of BASF K6902 was more homog-
process, agglomerated particles of pigments on the surface enous, and the agglomeration was lower than Meghmani
and inside the films were visually inspected. BK828.
Carbon, copper, and nitrogen elements, in the molecular
structure of the pigment, were found in the EDX analysis.
TABLE 2 Elemental composition of BASF K6902
A certain amount of oxygen was found in both pigments. In
Element Weight (%) Atomic (%) BASF K6902, a low amount of sodium and chlorine elements
Carbon 50.05 59.02 were also found (Table 2).
Nitrogen 25.59 25.88 Higher amounts of nitrogen and lower amounts of oxygen
were found in the Meghmani BK828 pigment. Also, trace
Oxygen 13.77 12.19
amounts of sodium and chlorine in BASF K6902 were not
Sodium 0.73 0.45
found in this pigment (Table 3).
Chlorine 1.46 0.58
The source of these trace elements is probably related to
Copper 8.39 1.87 sodium chloride used during the pigment production pro-
cess. Phthalocyanines must undergo some sort of particle
size reduction by salt milling to achieve better dispersion.
The grinding operation is performed with sodium chloride or
TABLE 3 Elemental composition of Meghmani BK828 other salts at room temperature and in the presence of certain
Element Weight (%) Atomic (%) specified organic solvents.16
After grinding, small amounts of salt can be present with-
Carbon 51.16 59.62
out having a detrimental effect on the process or final pig-
Nitrogen 33.24 33.21
mentary properties. The amount of salt that can be tolerated
Oxygen 5.70 4.98
will depend upon the nature of the salt and the process in
Copper 9.91 2.18 which it is present.17,18

7.0 100
6.0 90
80

Under Size, %
5.0 70
4.0 60
q, %

50
3.0 40
2.0 30
20
1.0 10
0.0 0
F I G U R E 2 Particle size distribution of 0.010 0.100 1.000 10.00 100.0 1000 3000
Meghmani BK828 Diameter, µm

10 100
9 90
8 80
Under Size, %

7 70
6 60
q, %

5 50
4 40
3 30
2 20
1 10
FIGURE 3 Particle size distribution of 0 0
BASF K6902 0.010 0.100 1.000 10.00 100.0 1000 3000
Diameter, µm
YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU
| 5

3.1.2 | Particle analysis of pigments 140

120 115
Particle sizes of the Meghmani BK828 (Figure 2) and BASF 105
100
K6902 (Figure 3) pigments were measured with blue laser 100 95

Color Strenght, %
light using a wet process. According to the histograms, the
particle size distribution of BASF K6902 pigment was more 80
homogeneous than Meghmani BK828.
60
While the BASF pigment only had a slightly smaller par-
ticle size in terms of both mean and median values (Table 4), 40
significant differences in the dispersion results were observed
between the two pigment samples (Figure 4). 20

0
MB1 MB2 MB5 MB9
3.2 | Masterbatch analysis Masterbatch Codes

3.2.1 | Filter pressure tests of masterbatches FIGURE 5 Colour strength of masterbatches

Fifteen micrometer filters were used during the filter tests.

The MB1 and MB2 results were as high as we expected. 180
157.6
Similar results on dispersion quality without using wax was 160
146.6
reported by Lahcen Safraoui et al.19 However, in some cases, 140
125.2
worse filter test results were obtained with wax-containing
Elastic Modulus, MPa

120 113.5
masterbatches during our study. Also, generally higher re-
sults were obtained in experiments with Meghmani pig- 100
ment. This was because the pigment particle distribution of 80
Meghmani was less homogeneous than BASF pigment. The
60
wax particles in the BASF pigment fulfilled the wetting task
40

TABLE 4 Particle sizes of pigments 20

Pigment Mean size (μm) Median size (μm) 0

MB1 MB2 MB5 MB9
BASF K6902 9.52 12.27 Masterbatch Codes
Meghmani BK828 10.55 13.24
FIGURE 6 Elastic modulus of masterbatches

14 12
11
12 11.84
11.04 10 9.3 9.3
9.0
Filter Pressure Value, bar/g

9 8.7
Maximum Stress, MPa

10
8.96 8
8 7.76 7.68 7
6
6 5.36 5

3.92 4
4 3.52
3.12 3

2 2
0.88 1
0 0
MB1 MB2 MB3 MB4 MB5 MB6 MB7 MB8 MB9 MB10 MB1 MB2 MB5 MB9
Masterbatch Codes Masterbatch Codes

FIGURE 4 Filter pressure values of masterbatches FIGURE 7 Maximum stress of masterbatches

6
| YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU

more successfully. On the contrary, sufficient wetting was need for higher power and shear in the extruder. Since all
not achieved in Meghmani. The weakening of the interfacial masterbatches were produced with the same extruder param-
interactions between polymer and pigment resulted in the eters, the shear was insufficient in masterbatches made with
Meghmani pigment. This, combined with the incompatibil-
110 ity of the wax type, resulted in a comparatively inadequate
100 87.7
dispersion.20
90 81.3
For BASF K6902 and Meghmani BK828, the best filter
80 pressure values (MB5 and MB9) were obtained with a mix-
Strain at Break, %

70
ture of micronised wax. As a result, no wax had a distinct
advantage, except for micronised wax (Figure 4).
60
In the later stages of the study, MB1 and MB2 masterbatches
50
prepared without wax were used as standard, and these master-
40
batches were compared with MB5 and MB9 masterbatches, in
30
which the best results from filter tests were measured.
20 11.9
9.5
10
0 3.2.2 | Colour strength measurement of
MB1 MB2 MB5 MB9 masterbatches
Masterbatch Codes

FIGURE 8 Strain at break of masterbatches The pigment concentration of masterbatches was reduced to
0.2% in LDPE. Relative colour strength was calculated by

100 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019 100 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019
WD = 10.9 mm Mag = 100 X Time:14:11:51 WD = 10.2 mm Mag = 100 X Time:14:16:19

100 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019 100 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019
WD = 10.3 mm Mag = 100 X Time:14:18:25 WD = 10.3 mm Mag = 100 x Time:14:20:45

F I G U R E 9 Fractographic studies of tensile test samples with 100× magnification are MB1 (top left), MB2 (top right), MB5 (bottom left),
MB9 (bottom right)
YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU
| 7

measuring each sample five times with a spectrophotometer
(Figure 5).
It was concluded that MB5 and MB9 samples dispersed
with micronised wax yielded more colour strengths than
MB1 and MB2 masterbatches without wax in their formu-
las. This result agrees with the results obtained in the filter
test. Increased pigment dispersion, resulted in a significant
decrease in the filter pressure value (FPV) and an increase in
the relative colour strength.21
increase in elastic modulus. This was observed with higher
melting enthalpies in wax-containing blends.22
With the addition of wax, the proportion of polyethylene in
the formula was reduced. This resulted in increased brittleness
of samples and reduced elongation (Figure 8). It is explained
by Luyt et al.23 that stress is a function of crystallinity, and a
decrease in stress is expected with an increase in LDPE content.
The appreciably higher modulus in the samples with higher wax
content and relatively low LDPE content is also related to the
lower tie-chain fraction that gives rise to more brittle samples.

3.2.3 | Tensile test of masterbatches

It was seen that both the elastic modulus and tensile strengths
of MB5 and MB9 were higher than MB1 and MB2 (Figures 6
and 7). The mechanical strength of masterbatches improved
with increased wax usage. This was because the blends were
of higher crystallinity compared to pure polyethylene. The
short and liner chains of the wax molecules caused an in-
crease in crystallisation in the mixture and a significant
3.2.4 | Fractographic studies
The SEM images taken from the fractured parts of the ten-
sile test samples at 100× magnification showed that the
surface morphologies of MB1 and MB2 with higher poly-
ethylene content were ductile. However, MB5 and MB9
with low polyethylene content were found fragile. While
larger pigment particles were seen on MB1 and MB2

20 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019 20 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019
ED = 12.0 mm Mag = 1.00 KX Time:14:13:36 WD = 10.2 mm Mag = 1.00 KX Time:14:17:20

20 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019 20 µm* EHT = 15.00 kV Signal A = HDBSD Date:24 May 2019
WD = 10.3 mm Mag = 1.00 KX Time:14:19:52 WD = 11.0 mm Mag = 1.00 KX Time:14:21:51

F I G U R E 1 0 Fractographic study of tensile test samples with 1.00K× magnification are MB1 (top left), MB2 (top right), MB5 (bottom left),
MB9 (bottom right)
8
| YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU
MB1 MB2
MB5 MB9
FIGURE 11 Blown film samples of MB1, MB2, MB5, and MB9
surfaces because of the lower dispersion quality of mas-
terbatches, smaller particles were seen on the surfaces of
MB5 and MB9 masterbatches which have better pigment
distribution (Figure 9).
At 1.00K× magnification, pigment particles could be seen
in more detail, but no significant differences were observed
compared to the filter test results. Pigment crystals were not
only predominantly brick-shaped but also contained some ir-
regularly shaped particles. From the images, it was seen that
the presence of solid pigment particles slightly disrupted the
network structure of the polyethylene matrix (Figure 10).
Similar results were also observed by different researchers
with different types of pigments and polymers.24
3.2.5 | Blown film samples of masterbatches
One hundred and twenty micrometer films produced with the
blown film machine were investigated under fluorescent light
to determine the frequency of the agglomerated particles. As
expected, larger particles were observed inside of MB1 and
MB2, which agreed with the high-pressure values obtained
in the filter test. The smaller size and less frequent particles
were seen in MB5 and MB9 films, which is consistent with
the low filter pressure values obtained (Figure 11).
4 | CO NC LU S ION
In this study, masterbatches with different compositions
were prepared to understand the interaction of different
polyethylene wax types with two different phthalocyanine
alpha blue pigments. For this purpose, particle size distribu-
tion and morphological structure of the pigments were exam-
ined initially. Although there was no significant difference
in particle size analysis, the more homogeneous distribution
was found to affect the dispersion quality and better filter
test results were obtained. Due to the increased dispersion
quality, it has been observed that the masterbatch with the
best filter test result is also the masterbatch with the high-
est colour strength. These results were similarly observed
in the blown film process. It has been found that another
factor affecting the dispersion results is the type of wax.
Masterbatches made with micronised wax gave the best re-
sults in both pigments. It has been observed that the particle
size of the wax is more important than the chemical structure
of the wax in the dispersion process. The increasing disper-
sion also affected the results of the tensile tests. It was ob-
served that the masterbatches produced with micronised wax
had higher tensile strength and elastic modulus than those
without wax. The addition of wax increased crystallinity in
the polyethylene matrix, and therefore, the elastic modulus
and tensile strength of the samples increased. However, the
fact that wax molecules were too short to form tie chains
caused a decrease in strain and increased brittleness.
The high colour strength, longer time filter clogging, and
high mechanical strength values obtained with micronised
wax are industrially satisfactory. Results may be the same for
different pigment types, but further studies are required to
confirm the statement.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study was supported by Budin Kimyevi Maddeler,
Cigli, Izmir, Turkey. The authors would like to thank
Hakan Budin, Okan Budin, and the R&D team for their
support.
ORCID
Mert Yücetürk https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9692-0893
R E F E R E NC E S
1. Deshmukh SP, Parmar MB, Rao AC, Wadhwa V. Polymer- and
wax-based monoconcentrate predispersed pigments in the colour-
ing of plastics. Color Technol. 2010;126(4):189-193.
2. Nejad M, Cooper P, Landry V, Blanchet P, Koubaa A. Studying
dispersion quality of nanoparticles into a bio-based coating. Prog
Org Coat. 2015;89:246-251.
3. Agbo C, Jakpa W, Sarkodie B, Boakye A, Fu S. A review on
the mechanism of pigment dispersion. J Dispersion Sci Technol.
2017;39(6):874-889.
4. Pearce R. Dispersing pigment/filler concentrates in plasticizer dis-
persions. Plast Addit Compd. 2004;6(4):36-39.
5. Akishino JK, Cerqueira DP, Silva GC, Swinka-Filho V, Munaro M.
Morphological and thermal evaluation of blends of polyethylene
wax and paraffin. Thermochim Acta. 2016;626:9-12.
YÜCETÜRK and SEYdIBEYOĞLU
6. Wu Z, Guo Z, Yuan C. Influence of polyethylene wax on wear re-
sistance for polyurethane composite material under low speed wa-
ter-lubricated conditions. Wear. 2019;426-427:1008-1017.
7. Wang W, Wang Y, Liu Z, Han Y, Wang C. Study on application
performance of oxidized polyethylene wax in powder coatings.
Prog Org Coat. 2019;136:105294.
8. Radecka I, Irorere V, Jiang G, et al. Oxidized polyethylene wax as
a potential carbon source for PHA production. Materials (Basel).
2016;9(5):367.
9. Hess R. Modern dispersing agents for polypropylene. Plast Addit
Compd. 2002;4(5):28-31.
10. Phthalocyanines LG. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial
Chemistry. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co.
KGaA; 2000.
11. International Organization for Standardization. ISO 13320:2009
– Particle Size Analysis — Laser Diffraction Methods. Geneva:
International Organization for Standardization; 2009.
12. International Organization for Standardization. ISO 23900-
5:2015 - Pigments and Extenders — Methods of Dispersion and
Assessment of Dispersibility in Plastics — Part 5: Determination
by Filter Pressure Value Test. Geneva: International Organization
for Standardization; 2015.
13. ASTM International. ASTM D638–14 Standard Test Method for
Tensile Properties of Plastics. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM
International; 2014.
14. Berns RS. Billmeyer and Saltzman's Principles of Color
Technology. Hoboken, NJ: Chichester: Wiley; 2019.
15. ASTM International. ASTM E308–18 Standard Practice for
Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System. West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International; 2018.
16. Zhang T, Fei X, Wang S, Zhou C. Pigmentation of Vat Blue RS by
ball milling in solvents. Dyes Pigm. 2000;45(1):15–21.
17. Klaus B, Gerald M, Thomas M, Carsten P, Wolfgang S, in-
ventors;Clariant Finance Bvi Ltd [Vg], Clariant Finance (Bvi)
Limited, assignee. Finely Divided Epsilon-Copper Phthalocyanine
| 9
Composition (Pigment Blue 15:6) For Use As Pigment patent
EP2121851 (A1). 2009.
18. Yusaku I, Toshimitsu I, Michichika H, inventors,Toyo Ink MFG
CO [Jp], Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd, assignee. Process for
the Production of β-form Copper Phthalocyanine Pigment patent
US5281268 (A). 1994.
19. Lahcen Safraoui BB, Haddout A, Benhadou M, Benzhour M. The
high concentration colored masterbatch: influence of paraffin wax
and premixing processing method on dispersion quality. Int J Adv
Res Sci Eng Technol. 2017;8(3):1–11.
20. Murphy J. Surface Treatment. Additives for Plastics Handbook.
Oxford, UK: Elsevier; 2001.
21. Buccella M, Dorigato A, Rizzola F, Caldara M, Fambri L. Influence
of the processing parameters on the dispersion and coloration be-
havior of a halogenated copper phthalocyanine-based masterbatch.
Adv Polym Tech. 2018;37(3):778–785.
22. Hlangothi SP, Krupa I, Djoković V, Luyt AS. Thermal and mechani-
cal properties of cross-linked and uncross-linked linear low-density
polyethylene–wax blends. Polym Degrad Stab. 2003;79(1):53–59.
23. Luyt AS, Hato MJ. Thermal and mechanical properties of linear
low-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene/wax ternary
blends. J Appl Polym Sci. 2005;96(5):1748–1755.
24. Ahmed SI, Shamey R, Christie RM, Mather RR. Comparison of
the performance of selected powder and masterbatch pigments on
mechanical properties of mass coloured polypropylene filaments.
Color Technol. 2006;122(5):282–288.
How to cite this article: Yücetürk M, Seydibeyoğlu
MÖ. Understanding dispersion of copper
phthalocyanine alpha blue pigment in polyethylene
masterbatch with the use of wax. Coloration Technol.
2020;136:526–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/cote.12506